Post-life Redemption (English Version)

by Fetuchini_The_Writer

Summary:

After confessing the truth, Sunny can't bear the guilt and commits suicide. Aubrey witnesses this and falls into a depression that ultimately leads to suicide. The two reunite as ghosts and try to adjust to their new life together.

Notes:

• A translation of Post-life Redemption by Fetuchini_The_Writer
• Inspired by Fallen Together by omorikai

Chapter 1: Prologue

I Have Something to Tell You

 

At first, Sunny believed that revealing the truth about the fateful day of the recital would bring him peace. He quickly realized that it wouldn't be like that.

 

His newly reconciled friends reacted in different ways. Kel, at first, was in disbelief at Sunny’s confession, Aubrey was drowning in her tears, she wanted to hit Sunny with all her strength, but something inside her conscience told her not to. Hero, furious, tried to lunge at Sunny.

 

— It was your sister, how could you kill her!? —he shouted.

 

The attacker had to be held back by Kel and Aubrey.

 

Sunny, still in shock, left Basil’s room, alone with his guilt coursing through his entire body, on his way to his room he saw the staircase that led to the hospital rooftop, and immediately made a fatal decision.

 

Sunny stood on the balcony, there was a broken railing there.

 

— I'm a monster, I stole my sister’s future, I took the love of his life from Hero, I took Aubrey’s older sister from her, I took Kel’s optimism, I marked Basil for life. People like me don’t deserve to live —he thought repeatedly.

 

Sunny stepped onto the edge of the balcony to face his fate when he heard a voice.

 

— S-Sunny? W-What are you trying to do!? —said a voice.

 

Instinctively, Sunny turned to see the person calling him, it was Aubrey.

 

She tried to convince him not to jump, what she didn’t know was that Sunny had already made his decision. Sunny looked at her, he didn’t know what she was saying, he couldn’t bear to hear the voices of the people he had hurt so much. Sunny looked up and saw her one last time.

 

— I'm sorry... —he said softly.

 

Right after, Sunny jumped.

 

— I'll finally be free from the suffering of being me, a monster who killed his sister and never faced the consequences. I'll finally see Mari... —he thought, as he fell like the dead weight he believed he was.

 

Sunny opened his eye, he was confused.

 

— I'm not dead? Why am I standing? —he wondered.

 

Before he could keep questioning it, he turned only to see his own mutilated and unrecognizable body on the ground. Sunny couldn’t understand what was happening. Before he could ask himself more, he saw a pink-haired girl crying in horror on the floor.

 

Moments later, the hospital staff collected the body of the last descendant of the Suzuki family.

 

Now Sunny was devastated, still there like a ghost, unable to interact with anyone, he was only a mere spectator of the pain he had once again caused his friends. Everything was lost for him now, he couldn’t fix anything, he was condemned to watch the consequences of his actions without being able to do anything.

 

Death hadn’t removed Sunny Suzuki’s pain. It had only intensified it.

 

 

---

 

It was common knowledge that Aubrey’s life wasn’t healthy for a girl her age, but her group of friends didn’t worry about it, she never mentioned it or showed signs of being affected. Aubrey had Mari, she was the big sister she never had. And then there was Sunny, the only one who knew how much her family affected her. Aubrey never admitted it, but she was in love with him. She liked everything about him, he was cute, gentle, kind, thoughtful, etc.

 

When Mari died, the group drifted apart, each one dealing with the pain in their own way.

 

Aubrey felt like everyone had abandoned her, she turned to anger to cope with the pain of loss and abandonment.

 

Lately, with the help of the Hooligans, she had been bullying Basil, she thought he was a monster for defiling their childhood memories.

 

Or, that’s how it was, until Sunny revealed the truth. It turns out she had been bullying Basil for something he hadn’t done. She wanted to feel furious with Sunny, but she only felt sadness and... empathy? Aubrey thought about it and it made sense, she almost killed Basil by pushing him into the lake, and Sunny jumped in after him without knowing how to swim, if it weren’t for Hero, she would have killed them both.

 

She didn’t say anything, she just started crying, Aubrey’s internal conflict was interrupted by Hero’s furious scream as he lunged at Sunny. She and Kel had to hold him back.

 

In the middle of the confusion, she realized Sunny had left the room.

 

Willing to make peace with Sunny, she looked for him in his room, but he wasn’t there. Leaving the room, she saw a trail of blood that led to the rooftop.

 

At the top of the building, she saw him. He was still, trembling, and she could hear his crying.

 

Aubrey was in shock, she didn’t know what to do, the only thing that came out of her mouth was a weak line.

 

— Sunny? W-what are you trying to do!? —she said, panicked.

 

She already knew the answer, almost instinctively she panicked, trying to convince Sunny to step back. He didn’t respond to her, he didn’t even look her in the eyes. Until...

 

— I'm sorry... —was the last thing she heard from him before he jumped.

 

Aubrey was in shock.

 

— Sunny, he just... This can’t be happening again, please —she thought as she cried.

 

It had been a week since Sunny’s funeral. That was the last time anyone saw Aubrey outside her house, she had secluded herself just as Sunny did for four years. Now she could understand him better, even if it was too late.

 

Kel soon tried to get Aubrey out, he didn’t want her to suffer the same fate as Sunny. Not long after, the Hooligans joined in, wanting to bring back their leader, and finally, to her surprise, Hero and Basil joined them too.

 

Two weeks after witnessing the horrible end of her childhood love, she could no longer live with the pain. So she made one final decision, the last of her life.

 

Notes:

I took some time to translate the text better. Tell me what you think.

Chapter 2: We Are Still Here

 

The ghostly "life" was nothing like Sunny had imagined.

It was even lonelier than when he was locked in his room. Occasionally, he came across other souls, but they all seemed so miserable and insane.

Was that his punishment?

To wander for eternity and eventually go mad.

He thought it was fair.

 

He had been watching all his friends since his funeral.

Kel seemed to have lost his radiant joy.

Hero blamed himself for being so immature, for having tried to attack him.

Basil was dealing with the loss of his best friend, the only one who understood his repressed pain, and now he would never come back.

His mother had already lost everything she called family; now she would move to the city with no purpose other than living the rest of her life alone.

And finally, there was Aubrey, the last one to see him alive, visibly the most affected.

She was now in a self-imposed isolation.

 

One night, during his nightly rounds, he saw a girl walking through the park.

Her hair was messy, with a faded pink tone.

Undeniably, it was Aubrey.

Sunny felt a brief moment of joy upon seeing her outside her house.

 

That joy didn’t last long when he saw she was heading toward the secret meeting place.

Once there, he saw Aubrey with a lifeless expression, yet tears still streamed down her face.

Sunny knew what she was about to do.

He tried in vain to stop her.

 

The only thing going through Aubrey’s mind at that moment was the urgent need to end her pain immediately.

She looked at her reflection in the water, she saw a monster who let her best friend die.

Something like that shouldn’t live, so she threw herself into the water.

 

As she ran out of oxygen, she remembered the most beautiful moments of her life with her group of friends, and how happy they were.

 

She remembered Mari’s picnics, playing with Basil, fighting with Kel, Hero’s exquisite food, and the times she poured her heart out to Sunny on the swings.

 

—We were so happy. We didn’t know what was coming. I’ll see you again, Sunny and Mari —was her final thought.

 

Aubrey opened her eyes.

 

—Am I out of the lake? Am I dead? —she wondered.

 

She looked down at her body. Her skin had a transparent aura, and she was wearing a sort of white nightgown.

Was this what came after death?

It didn’t look like anything they described in church or in any religion she knew.

Before she could keep questioning it, she heard someone call her name.

 

—Aubrey...

 

That voice, she knew it. It sounded sad, heavy with guilt and regret.

 

—Sunny?

 

She turned around, and sure enough, he was there.

His skin was just as pale, accompanied by the same transparency she now had.

He wore the same strange garment as her, and his damaged eye was surrounded by a dark reddish hue, covered by the translucence of his skin.

 

Aubrey didn’t waste a second questioning it, she threw herself into the arms of her childhood friend, to his surprise.

 

Sunny, still stunned by Aubrey’s sudden reaction, watched as she sobbed, but not a single tear came out.

Something he had learned over the past two weeks was that ghosts couldn’t cry or produce any fluid at all.

 

The moment was interrupted when Aubrey brought up the question.

 

—Sunny... why did you do it?

 

Notes:

I took some time to translate the text better. Tell me what you think.

Chapter 3: Post-live

—I'm sorry— is all Sunny can say before he begins to sob uncontrollably and collapses to his knees.

After a minute of incoherent babbling, Aubrey begins to comfort Sunny, who gradually starts to calm down. Once he's settled, he begins to speak.

—I-I did it because I couldn’t bear the guilt. I thought you all hated me for what I did to Mari, and I believed I deserved to die, that it would finally put an end to the pain I’ve felt for the past four years of my life. But it didn’t. I just woke up and realized I’m doomed to feel this way forever. T-the truth is I deserve it. I took everything from you all, I’m a horri...

—Stop! Don’t go on. You're not a bad person, Sunny. It wasn’t your fault that all this happened. You were just a kid, scared and angry, and you just wanted Mari to leave you alone. We should’ve realized Mari wasn’t the perfect person we thought she was. She forced you to play the violin and punished you harshly when you failed. It wasn’t your fault, it was an accident. Stop carrying all the blame.

—I’m a murderer. I don’t deserve forgiveness.

—You’re not a murderer. It was an accident. I nearly killed Basil when I pushed him into the lake, and you too when you jumped in after him. If it weren’t for Hero, I would’ve killed both of you.

—I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have shut myself away for all those years. I felt like I didn’t deserve you after what I did, and I couldn’t face that fear. I-I locked myself in and just kept sleeping, imagining a world where we had adventures together, not caring how you were all doing. I was selfish. I am selfish. I told you all the truth, and after dropping that kind of bombshell, I went and killed myself just to leave even more pain behind.

—Honestly, it was selfish of you to take your life, but think of it this way: the pain clouded your judgment. I should’ve stopped you... but I also let myself be carried away by my emotions. I let rage consume me and pushed everyone away, especially Basil. I made his life hell. And when I found out the truth, I didn’t know how to react. And then, after you... I blamed myself, because I thought my inaction hurt you so badly that you decided... And now, as you can see. I’m dead. I didn’t know how to deal with the loss either.

—At least you’re here with me... Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.

—Don’t apologize. You meant it, and I’m also glad I got to see you again.

Both souls composed themselves and remained silent for a minute.

—Hey, since I brought it up a moment ago... what happens next? Is this what death is like? Just wandering around for all eternity? There’s no heaven or hell?

—The truth is, I don’t know what comes next. I’ve learned a couple things from being a ghost. Of course, we can’t interact with the physical world—I've tried—but we can make copies of physical objects and bring them into our plane.

Sunny then walks over to the picnic basket and picks it up. To Aubrey’s surprise, a somewhat transparent version of the basket detaches from the original.

—See? By the way, we can only make one copy. No more.

—Impressive! What else do you know? I’ve noticed I can’t cry, and I don’t feel any touch. The only thing I’ve been able to feel was when you hugged me.

—Apparently, we can’t secrete any bodily fluids. Like saliva, blood, tears, sweat, etc. Also, we don’t have a body per se. You can pass through any wall. We don’t feel physical pain, but we do feel mental pain. You can’t get tired, and therefore we can’t sleep or feel sleepy. One last thing—I think our body, if we can call it that, can be changed at will. Watch this.

Amazingly, Sunny’s damaged eye returns to its healthy state.

—Amazing, right? I’ve noticed I can’t change my clothes, and I can’t transform into a version of myself I’ve never had before.

Aubrey wastes no time and tries changing her appearance. She makes the tips of her hair regain their pink dye.

—Sorry, I just missed that color... even if it’s just a little.

—Don’t worry, I think it looks really nice.

Internally, Aubrey feels a blush rise at Sunny’s compliment.

—Finally, I suspect there’s another plane besides this one.

—Another plane? Does that mean this isn’t the end?

—I’ve encountered other souls. They just wander around aimlessly. Most of them seem to have lost their sanity, saying nonsense about “ascending to another plane,” a perfect one. But coming from them, it’s hard to believe. Although if it’s true, that might explain why Mari isn’t here.

—That’s right! Mari! You mean you haven’t found her?

—Yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing all this time. I wanted to see her and apologize.

—You don’t need to apologize to her. If she’s still like how we knew her, I’m sure she’ll understand her death was an accident—one she partly caused. And besides, let’s leave that whole “ascension” thing for later. I need to face what I’ve done. Our friends aren’t going to take my death very well.

—I know that very well... Looks like it’s almost dawn. Someone will come to the lake soon and find your body.

—Alright. I need to prepare for what’s coming.

 

Chapter 4: Good-bye & New Beginning for Sunny and Aubrey

It was another fateful day in Faraway. Aubrey, the town delinquent, had been found dead by her group of friends.

 

No family member claimed her body, so everyone who had known her gathered money to give her a proper burial. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by Aubrey’s grateful spirit.

 

Aubrey’s funeral wasn’t very different from Sunny’s. There weren’t many attendees—only her friends, Polly, and Sunny’s mother. As expected, Aubrey’s mom didn’t show up.

 

—She probably hasn’t even noticed her daughter is dead —thought Aubrey.

 

The time for the final farewell had come. The first was Kim, who approached Aubrey’s coffin in tears.

 

—I wish I had gotten you out of there. I’m going to miss you so much. We all will. Don’t worry about us, I’ll take the lead of the group and help Basil. I won’t let you down. Goodbye, Aubrey.—

 

After Kim came the rest of the Hooligans. Each said their goodbyes in their own way, all tinged with melancholy.

 

Next were the brothers. Kel began to cry as he recalled the playful fights they had shared as children. Hero spoke fondly of the times Aubrey and Mari talked about hair care and how to ask Sunny out.

 

Finally, Basil approached the coffin of his first friend.

 

—I know the last moments we shared weren’t the best. Maybe you thought I hated you, but I didn’t. I believed I deserved all the hate for what I did. I’m going to move forward and improve for all of you. Now I know I have the support of Kel, Hero, and even the Hooligans. In fact, they’ve invited me to join them. Heh... who would’ve thought? Lastly, thank You without you, I never would’ve met Sunny, Kel, Mari, and Hero. I’m going to miss you so much, Aubrey. Goodbye. I hope you’re up there with Sunny and Mari.—

 

After placing a gladiolus on Aubrey’s coffin, Basil had to be taken away by Polly, as he had broken down and was crying uncontrollably. Sunny and Aubrey could only watch their friends with sadness and guilt. They would never be seen again, and they would never again be able to interact with the living.

 

Finally, the pastor said a farewell prayer, and the coffin was carried by Basil, Kel, Hero, and Kim to the cemetery, where Aubrey’s body found its eternal rest beside Sunny’s grave—a spot requested by Sunny’s mother.

 

After the ceremony, Basil left a bouquet of flowers on each of their graves. The bouquet included tulips, gladioli, lilies of the valley, and daisies.

 

Sunny and Aubrey watched everyone leave the cemetery. They then approached their graves and read the inscriptions.

 

Mari Suzuki: The sun shine brighter when she was here.

Sunny Suzuki: the night saw more light when he was here

Aubrey Smith: the nights were more beautiful when she was here.

Aubrey took Sunny’s hand and asked:

 

—Are you ready to move on? I won’t go without you.—

 

Sunny silently nodded.

 

Without warning, Aubrey began to run into the woods, pulling a confused Sunny along with her.

 

She stopped in a secluded area of the town. The trees hadn’t grown in one part, leaving a circular clearing.

 

—This is it —she said, pointing at the clearing—.

 

—We’ll leave all our things here so other souls won’t take them. And we can rest here before going out to explore the world.—

 

Sunny agreed, and they began planning together what they should bring.

An adventure awaited them both.

 

Notes:

Fun fact: The inscriptions on Aubrey and Sunny's graves are based on the visits in the one-shot "Somewhere Out There" by "Poouko"

Chapter 5: Late confessions

 

Two weeks had passed since Aubrey’s funeral. Everyone had coped with the loss in different ways. Kel mourned for a week before returning to his sports practices. Hero, with the support of Sunny’s mother, had initiated legal action against Aubrey’s mother for negligence. Basil, meanwhile, had started hanging out with the Hooligans, who had welcomed him warmly.

 

They taught him how to be confident and how to defend himself, as well as techniques for stealing candy from Othermart—courtesy of Kim and Vance. The gang members had started to notice that Basil and Kim were spending more time together and had a natural chemistry between them.

 

One day, the flower boy and the candy maniac went to the gang’s usual meeting place. Once there, they headed into the bushes. Both had decided to hide their most treasured items that had once belonged to their deceased friends. Kim left Aubrey’s spiked bat and her old bow. Basil, for his part, left Sunny’s restored violin. It had cost Basil a small fortune to get it fixed. Finally, he left the knife that Sunny had inexplicably carried everywhere when he left home.

 

Before leaving, Basil took a picture of the small tribute they had created.

 

Sunny and Aubrey approached the objects left behind. Sunny picked up his violin and knife. Aubrey, meanwhile, put her old bow back in her hair and slung the bat over her shoulder.

 

The place they had taken as their base had changed a lot over the past few months. Sunny had brought his entire Captain Spaceboy comic collection, all his plushies, and all his books and sketchpads. Aubrey had brought Basil’s photo album and Mr. Plantegg. They had also taken some furniture from Fix-It to organize their belongings.

 

When they arrived, Sunny lay down on the couch. He wanted to rest for a while to clear his mind. His meditation was interrupted by a few musical notes—it was Aubrey. She had been trying to learn how to play the piano.

 

Sunny remembered a joke he once made to Aubrey about how she’d never manage to carry the piano to their base. Aubrey had taken it as a personal challenge, and two hours later she had dragged the piano there. That’s when they discovered that, although their strength was no greater than before, as ghosts, they no longer got tired.

 

Sunny was glad that Aubrey had something to do with the infinite time they now had.

 

—I see you’ve been improving.—Sunny began as he got up from the couch.—

 

—It’s the result of a full week of uninterrupted practice. And I wouldn’t have managed it without you—the books from Mari you gave me were really helpful.—

 

—You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad I could give you something to do with all the time we have now. If there’s anything else I can do for you, just tell me.—

 

Aubrey grew thoughtful before her eyes wandered to Sunny’s violin.

 

—Now that you mention it,—she said as she placed the violin on top of the piano lid,—why don’t you play something for me?—

 

—You see... that violin still reminds me of the time I practiced endlessly for a recital I never wanted. Mari would yell at me for every mistake I made. That same violin was what caused Mari to die. I killed her because I couldn’t control myself.—

 

—Sunny... It was an accident. You didn’t kill her. The circumstances were against you. Mari should never have pushed you so hard—she knew you better than that, she should’ve seen you couldn’t handle the pressure.—

 

—I know... but that feeling never leaves. It’s still there, torturing me.—

 

—We all should’ve seen it. It was so obvious, but we always believed Mari was perfect, that she’d never do something like that—especially not to her little brother. The day of the recital, I was going to your house a few hours before. I wanted to ask you to go to the lake with me after the recital. But Basil insisted on going instead.—

 

—Huh? Why did you want to see me at the lake?—

 

At this question, Aubrey began to feel nervous.

 

—P-please don’t make fun of what I’m about to say.—

 

—That’s... okay?—

 

—When we were kids, we used to have long talks on the swings. I’d tell you about the problems at home—you were the only one who listened to me. Over time, I... I started to develop certain f-feelings for you. I-I wanted to confess that to you at the lake.—

 

—…—

 

—…—

 

—Aubrey... were you…—

 

—Yes, dummy! I was in love with you!—

 

—... I-I was in love with you too!—

 

—What!? Since when?—

 

—Since we were kids.—

 

—Why didn’t you say anything? I thought it was so obvious! Mari used to tease me about how clingy I was with you.—

 

—I suspected it, but I was afraid of ruining our friendship if you didn’t feel the same. I always loved you, because you’re so beautiful—and with that pink hair, even more so. I also love your sweet yet tough personality. I loved that you always made time for me. You never judged me, you always cared for me just as I am. And...—

 

Sunny was interrupted when Aubrey suddenly pulled him in for a kiss.

 

After several minutes, they broke the kiss, and an awkward silence followed.

 

—I guess I can call you my boyfriend now?—

 

—Of course, Auby.—

 

—Aww! You gave me a nickname, and it’s not even been ten minutes, Sun-Bun!—

 

—Heh-heh. You can really tell I’ve been holding this love in for so long.—

 

—Yeah, dummy, it shows. Still, I love you.—

 

—I love you too.—

 

—So then, aren’t you going to play something for your girlfriend?—she said as she handed him the violin.—

 

Sunny took the violin, rested it on his shoulder, readied the bow, and began to play a gentle melody. For the first time in a long time, Sunny felt happy. He now knew he had someone who would never leave him, someone who wouldn’t judge him or try to change him.

He felt loved. truly loved. after all this time.

 

Chapter 6: A Journey For Us

 

Life as a ghost is considered harsh and miserable, unavoidable, Sooner or later, every human being on Earth must face it. Most people drown in their own misery, descending into madness born of their regrets. These beings, without purpose or direction beyond lamenting their pain and dragging others into their own despair, are known as lost souls. Others merely wander the world, or settle in places near their former homes. Some just engage in senseless antics, simply to kill time and avoid the eternal boredom. And others seek a path toward something greater.

 

But that wasn’t the case for Sunny and Aubrey, who, now officially a couple, lived a relatively happy life (considering they were dead).

 

Over the past year, both had dedicated themselves to learning a bit of everything. It began with Aubrey learning to play the piano, but after Sunny picked up the violin again, the couple began to study many things. Aubrey taught her boyfriend self-defense techniques and learned other combat styles through books they copied. In return, Sunny taught her how to draw professionally. one of the few things he’d mastered while shut away in his house.

 

They also trained to master their favorite weapons. Aubrey perfected her bat skills and forced Sunny to master it too, convincing him it would be useful in case a lost soul ever tried to take him. Though in truth, she just needed a sparring partner. Sunny, on the other hand, trained with his sword and knife, and in revenge dragged Aubrey into learning how to use bladed weapons as well. To his surprise, Aubrey didn’t resist.

 

Their appearance changed too. Aubrey dyed her hair pink again and convinced Sunny to dye his purple as a way of fulfilling Mari’s promise. Sunny now always wore a belt where he kept his knife. They also agreed to wear matching necklaces. his had a rabbit, her a black cat.

 

Some days, they spent just the two of them, wasting time playing, watching movies and shows, reading books, or simply talking.

 

They had originally planned to use their ghostly nature to travel the world. But since becoming a couple, they had chosen to focus their time on each other. Still, Aubrey had doubts about whether the plan was still in motion. So she decided to ask.

 

—Sunny, do you remember that a year ago we planned to travel the world and look for Mari along the way?—

 

—Yeah. I think we’ve been putting it off for too long. Do you still want to do it?—

 

—Of course! Sun-Bun, nothing would make me happier than seeing the whole world with you. It’d be like our honeymoon!—she exclaimed, full of excitement.

 

Sunny always got flustered when he heard the nickname Aubrey had lovingly given him.

 

—Honeymoon?—he thought.—Does she really think our relationship is already like a marriage?—

 

—Honeymoon? Should I start calling you my wife?—he asked in a teasing tone.

 

—Hehe, yes, dummy. I know you well. I know what you mean—if we’re going to be like this for all eternity, I want it to be with you, the person I love most. I don’t need a ring or a big ceremony to call you my husband.—

 

When Aubrey finished speaking, she was surprised by Sunny’s lips—he kissed her more passionately than ever before.

 

—Start packing. We’re leaving in... one week. Deal?—

 

—Of course, Sunny,—she replied before lying down in his lap.

 

The day had come. Today marked the start of Sunny and Aubrey’s journey around the world. Sunny carried a large backpack filled with books about places to visit, a camera, a new photo album, and a bat that stuck out. He also had his belt with his trusty knife. Aubrey, on the other hand, carried Mr. Plantegg in her backpack, her spiked bat sticking out, a knife Sunny had given her, Basil’s photo album, a sketchbook with some pencils, and a book filled with words in different languages.

 

Before they left, they exchanged rings as a symbol of their commitment. Hand in hand, they set off from their hometown.

 

Over the next five years, Sunny and Aubrey traveled the world, visiting beautiful places and landscapes that were captured in their drawings and photographs. They fought against lost souls, discovered settlements of other ghosts across various countries, these ghosts were kind and willing to teach. Through them, they learned to speak different languages and play different musical instruments.

 

They even traveled to the depths of the ocean. They’d never admit it, but they were lost in the ocean’s darkness for several months. After escaping the jaws of the sea, they decided their final destination before returning home would be Antarctica.

Chapter 7: Cold Hard "Life"

—Well, here we are. Antarctica— said the ghost with purple hair.

 

—Yeah… It’s just like I imagined—lonely and cold. But as long as you’re by my side, it won’t be boring,— said the pink-haired ghost, ruffling her partner’s hair.

 

They continued walking. Apart from the local wildlife, everything looked the same: snowy plains and mountains. It was like that for a couple of hours until something caught Aubrey’s eye.

 

—Sunny, do you see that?

 

—Where?

 

—There.

 

There was a ghost standing still, staring into nothingness. The blizzard camouflaged him well.

 

—Hey! Who are you?

 

No response.

 

—I don’t think he can hear us, Aubrey. He seems to be in some kind of trance. We better keep moving.

 

—Wait—she said, squinting—there are more of them!

 

Sunny noticed them too. More ghosts, all in a trance.

 

—We need to go. Maybe they're faking it!

 

Both started running, drawing their weapons as they moved. As they ran, they noticed they weren’t being followed. Once the chase ended, they looked around and saw many more ghosts in the same trance. None seemed to care about their presence.

 

—Aubrey, these people make me uncomfortable. I feel like…

 

—Like they’re watching and judging you, right?

 

—Exactly.

 

—I’m here, don’t forget that, sweetheart.

 

—Look, a cave!

 

—Wanna explore it? And… please say yes!

 

—Alright. It’s better than this plain full of wandering souls.

 

After a few hours exploring the cave, they came across the last thing they expected to see in the depths of Antarctica: a ghost settlement. At least these ones moved.

 

—Hello. You’re friendly, right?— Sunny began.

 

—Yes, of course, so please lower your weapon.

 

Sunny, confused, noticed Aubrey already had her bat raised.

 

—So, who are you? It’s been a long time since anyone’s come here.

 

—I’m Aubrey, and this is my husband, Sunny.

 

—I see you died young. You got married after death, didn’t you?

 

—Yes, it was after. How long have you been here?

 

—I lost count a long time ago. That was something the others used to do.

 

—Others?

 

—Long ago, the souls that ended up here gathered in this place. It was a settlement, I'm sure you’ve seen others. Over time, the residents began to lose hope of forgiving themselves and left.

 

—Those ghosts outside in a trance… are they the ones who left?

 

—Exactly. Antarctica is the most remote place on Earth. It’s perfect for souls that can’t forgive themselves. All they have left is to remember their lives over and over for eternity.

 

Sunny could understand those who gave Up, he had given up for four years, and he made Aubrey give up too.

 

Aubrey found the story convincing but still had one question.

 

—Why are you still here?

 

—Well, this is my home now… and I’m waiting for my son.

 

After answering, the ghost led them to his home—an igloo, decorated inside with only photographs.

 

—By the way, what’s your name?— Aubrey asked.

 

—James. That’s my name.

 

—Nice to meet you. And I suppose this is your son— Sunny said, pointing at a photo.

 

—Yes, that’s Johnny, my son. Since he was little, he wanted to be a researcher like me.

 

—So you were a researcher.

 

—I was. My son and I were part of the UK research team in Antarctica. We were sent as part of the Fuchs-Hillary expedition.

 

Aubrey had heard of that expedition, but she remembered something important about it.

 

—That was in 1955! You’ve been here for 46 years!

 

Sunny was shocked, but James didn’t notice as Sunny was busy calming Aubrey.

 

—James… how did you die?

 

James reacted calmly. He sat down and invited them to sit as well.

 

—When we arrived here, my son was excited to be part of such an important expedition with me. Everything was going well—the mission was successful. One day, I wanted to take geological readings outside of permitted hours. I insisted my son come with me. He disagreed at first, but eventually he gave in. When we reached the site, a minor earthquake struck. We barely felt it, but it was enough to crack the ground and take us with it. When we woke up, we were already dead. Our bodies were never found.

 

—Oh… We’re so sorry. And where is your son now?

 

—When others were still around, he used to tell me it wasn’t my fault he died. But that’s not true. It is my fault—I brought him to the place where he died. When everyone else left, my son told me he would ascend and that he forgave me. But it was a lie. He’ll come back. He just went out to freeze in the snow like the others. He… He’ll come back.

 

—He won’t come back,— said Aubrey in a cold tone.

 

—Yes, he will!

 

—James, I know Aubrey didn’t say it nicely, but it’s the most likely truth.

 

—If you’re such experts on Ascension, then why are you still in this plane?! You’re still blaming yourselves for something, aren’t you!?

 

—...

 

—...

 

They looked at each other, unsure how to respond.

 

—If you don’t have an answer, then you better leave.

 

—Alright. Let’s go, Sunny.

 

After exiting the cave and once again seeing the tormented souls, the couple decided it was time to head back home.

 

As the sun showed them the way, Aubrey broke the silence.

 

—Do we still blame ourselves for something?

 

—What?

 

—Do we have some buried guilt? Are we still unable to let go of our weight? Is that why we never talk about moving on to the so-called perfect plane of existence?

 

—Aubrey, if this is because of what James said, don’t worry—it’s not that. We have forgiven ourselves.

 

—Then why are we still here!?

 

—...

 

—Answer me!

 

—I’m afraid of losing you!

 

—What?

 

—What if only one of us makes it there? Or what if we do and neither of us remembers the other? What if reincarnation exists? I don’t want to be separated from you again!

 

As Sunny finished speaking, he was wrapped in his wife’s arms.

 

—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I won’t leave. I’ll defy the universe if I have to. I just want to be with you forever. I just want to know if something better awaits us. There’s nothing left for us to do or see here.

 

Sunny, now calm, returned the hug and kissed Aubrey on the cheek as a sign of thanks.

 

—We’ll do it once we get home. I want to see how things have changed there.

 

—Honestly, me too. I bet Basil and Kim are a couple now.

 

—Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s find out.

 

And so ends Sunny and Aubrey’s journey across the world. 

and begins their journey to discover the next plane of existence.

 

Chapter 8: Welcome Again... ~ The test

A month after their journey through Antarctica, our main couple had already arrived in Faraway Town. However, something felt unusual.

 

—Why is no one here? It's midday, right Sunny?

 

Sunny looked up at the sky to check the position of his namesake.

 

—Yeah, it's midday. This is really strange.

 

As they passed through the plaza, they saw all the shops were closed, and the park was eerily silent.

 

The last place they visited was the cemetery. To their surprise, a few ghosts were gathered around a specific grave. Sunny and Aubrey stared in shock at the inscription:

 

Henry “Hero” Rodríguez: lived up to his nickname in his final days.

 

—Hero! How did this happen!? —Aubrey shouted.

 

—How did he die? Someone, please tell me! Why are you all gathered here!?

 

—Hey, weren’t you Henry’s friends? —asked an elderly ghost.

 

—Yeah, that’s us.

 

—Didn’t you two commit suicide about six years ago? —said another ghost.

 

—It’s true, it’s really them! —exclaimed a younger ghost.

 

—Why did Hero die? —Aubrey asked again.

 

—The whole country is being ravaged by an epidemic. Henry was a doctor at Faraway Hospital. There was a lot of uncertainty about the new disease, and many of us died due to the lack of proper treatment. One day, Dr. Henry caught the illness and chose not to take any medication. He spent his last days studying the disease firsthand.

 

—I see, Hero sacrificed himself to advance the research on the illness —said Sunny.

 

—I guess he really did live up to his nickname —added Aubrey. —But I don’t see him here. Where is he?

 

—We believe he managed to ascend.

 

—Oh… I see. We understand. Sorry for the commotion.

 

When Sunny and Aubrey returned to the place where they had taken refuge for a year, they felt nothing but uncertainty.

 

—Aubrey?

 

—Yes?

 

—Should we try it now? I mean, if Hero could do it and there’s nothing left for us here…

 

—I think we should. If it means we could be together in a better place, and maybe see Mari and Hero again.

 

—Do you remember how they said we should start?

 

—Yes. They said we had to focus on ascending, and that we’d face a series of trials before reaching the next plane.

 

—Alright, then let’s get ready.

 

In less than an hour, the couple was prepared. Sunny and Aubrey sat facing each other, holding hands, and began to concentrate. After a few minutes, Sunny felt something shift. When he opened his eyes, Aubrey was no longer with him. He now stood in a black-and-white forest filled with tall, thin trees.

 

Sunny recognized the place. It came from Black Space.

 

After walking for several minutes through the labyrinthine forest, he found a strange clearing between the trees.

 

—Looks like an entrance —he thought.

 

As he crossed the space between the trees, he noticed something hanging in the distance.

 

—What is that? —he thought, squinting.

 

What he saw left him speechless.

 

—Ma… Ma… Mari?

 

Mari’s hanging body swayed gently in the wind. As it turned, her lifeless eye stared directly at Sunny.

 

Sunny still remembered how, after hanging his sister, it felt as if she had the strength to look at him with eyes that judged everything he had done. For years, that image became a monster that haunted him daily.

 

He didn’t want to keep looking at the scene, so he ran. As he did, the path narrowed more and more. More hanging bodies appeared in the trees, all staring at Sunny.

 

When he finally escaped the narrow passage, he found himself in a vast clearing. As he looked around, a voice spoke behind him.

 

—It’s been a long time, dreamer.

 

Sunny turned around. It was the Stranger, but no longer in Basil’s form—now just a humanoid shape.

 

—What are you doing here?

 

—Helping you, as always.

 

—Helping with what? I just need to find a way out.

 

—It’s not that simple to escape your thoughts. You should know that better than anyone.

 

—My thoughts?

 

—This is your trial, dreamer. Face your thoughts, and ascend.

 

—Where is Aubrey?

 

—She’s overcoming her own trial.

 

—I understand.

 

Sunny left the Stranger behind and continued walking deeper into the forest. He found increasingly bizarre things—a Mr. Plant Egg teaching a class to his stuffed animals, an orange drinking a Kel’s Juice. The forest was now filled with hanging corpses.

 

After a while, Sunny came upon a barn. He recognized it from his dreams. Inside was the same long hallway. At the end was a portrait of the old Suzuki family.

 

He took a moment to look at the photo with nostalgia. He had always hoped Aubrey would become part of that family. His moment was interrupted by Mari’s body falling from above. Her eye stared at him again.

 

Sunny tried to flee, but the door and hallway were gone. Desperate, he searched for an exit.

 

—Stop running —said the Stranger’s voice.

 

Sunny looked around but couldn’t find its source. All he saw was Mari’s body on the floor. He realized he had to face that eye.

 

—I’m so sorry, Mari. I was wrong to listen to Basil. I should’ve taken the blame for your death. Covering it up did nothing—Mom had to convince the police not to open an investigation.

 

He was surprised to feel tears fall down his face.

 

—I always hated the monster I created from your dead gaze. It only reminded me of a Mari obsessed with perfection. That wasn’t my sister. That was a judging, perfectionist being. I just wanted to spend more time with you. We caused this.

 

When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the barn. He now stood before an open coffin surrounded by lilies of the valley. Inside was Mari’s body, eyes open.

 

Sunny said goodbye to his sister and gently closed her eyes. The coffin then shut itself and vanished.

 

Where the coffin had been, a door now appeared. Sunny knew what to do. He stepped through it.

 

The trial had been passed… right?

 

 

Chapter 9: Aubrey's Test

Aubrey opens her eyes. She finds herself in the treehouse—everything looks just like the last time she was there. The place is dusty and neglected.

 

—"What am I doing here? Sunny? Sunny!"

 

Aubrey quickly climbs down the treehouse, only to realize it's now standing in the backyard of her old house.

 

When she opens the door, she finds herself in the living room, as messy as always, the TV is on. She knows who's sitting on the couch, so she ignores it.

 

Aubrey tries to leave the house, but the front door is locked.

 

—"I remember I used to keep a spare key in my room," —she thought.

 

As she climbs to her room, she sees everything is in place. The handle of her bat sticks out from under the bed. Aubrey feels uneasy without her weapon, so she goes to grab it.

 

—"What the?!"

 

As she pulls the bat into the light, it’s covered in blood. Aubrey immediately throws it to the other side of the room. She checks her dresser and finds the photo album.

 

The album’s contents have changed. It no longer contains pictures of her childhood. Now, it holds photos of Aubrey's most painful memories.

 

One picture shows Aubrey crying in her bed. The photo is labeled: “One month later. It’s been a whole month. My friends feel very distant now. I guess it’s normal. We all loved her. But I feel like we should be facing this together. Isn’t that what friends do?”

 

The second photo shows Aubrey standing in front of a door. It’s labeled: “Three months later. I’ve tried reconnecting with my old friends. I sometimes see Basil. Hero won’t leave his room, Kel is busy trying to help him, it drains all his time and energy. Sunny has shut himself away. I’ve tried to get him out, but he never answers. I want to hug him, let him know he’s not alone. Am I being too pushy? ...Is this even helping?”

 

Aubrey wants to put the album down, but a morbid curiosity pushes her to keep going.

 

The third photo shows Aubrey curled up in bed, covering her ears. The label reads: “Seven months later. Mom and Dad are fighting again. Now it’s almost daily. I can’t stand this. Sunny... he’s no longer there to listen. Dad says he’s sick of Mom and me. He says he’ll never come back.”

 

The fourth photo shows an angry Aubrey yelling at someone. The caption says: “Two years later. One day, I ran into Basil at the park. I insisted we hang out at his place like old times. When I got there, he seemed very nervous and eventually went into the bathroom. That’s when I saw the photo album. I took a look... The photos, all blacked out with marker! Why did Basil do this? When he came back, I confronted him, and he didn’t even have the guts to explain. He-He’s a monster! How could he do this to us? How could he do this to me?!”

 

A fifth photo shows Aubrey arguing with Kel by the lake. The caption says: “Four years later. Kel is such a fool, so naive. He thinks he's right for defending the monster that Basil is. And to make it worse, Sunny leaves the house after four years. Why the hell won’t they shut up?! You, Basil, you’re the worst of them all!

 

Oh no... Basil—I pushed him into the lake, and Sunny jumped in after him... but he can’t swim, he’s terrified of the water!”

 

The sixth photo shows Aubrey in her dark bedroom, alone and expressionless. The caption reads: “One week later. Just when things seemed to be getting better, it all happened again. I had reconciled with my childhood friends, but that same night Basil stabbed Sunny in the eye. When Sunny woke up, he told us the truth. He had accidentally killed Mari, and Basil had hanged her body to protect Sunny from any consequences. After confessing, he climbed to the hospital rooftop and... he chose to end his life. Why did he do that? Why didn’t I stop him? I was right there—I could’ve saved him. Why am I so useless?”

 

As she turns the page, Aubrey finds no more photos—only a drawing of herself at the bottom of the lake, with a peaceful expression, possibly already dead. On the right page it says:

 

“It’s over. My suffering is ending now that I’m going to die. I only hope that if there is a heaven, I’ll be allowed in. I just want to see Sunny and Mari. I have so much I want to tell them. Please God, grant me this last wish p...”

 

The next pages are completely blank.

 

Aubrey shuts the album forcefully. In one of the dresser drawers, she finds the key. She quickly leaves her room. In the living room, she can’t help but glance at her mother, always sitting on the couch, drinking, watching TV.

 

Overcome with rage and helplessness, Aubrey delivers a blow to her head.

 

A sickening sound comes from the impact—before the head detaches from the body. Aubrey looks at the scene in horror. Upon closer inspection, she realizes that it’s actually her mother’s corpse sitting on the couch.

 

Aubrey unlocks the door and runs outside. The town looks empty and abandoned, like everyone suddenly decided to leave and only she was left behind.

 

Aubrey has a clear destination: the swingset—a place that reminded her of better times. The park looks as empty and worn out as the rest of the town. Aubrey sits on the left swing like she always did. She looks to her right and feels someone is missing.

 

—"Sunny..." —Aubrey's mind floods with all the entries from the photo album.

 

—"I never wanted Sunny to die. I should’ve done more. I should’ve pulled him out of that house so long ago. I couldn’t control my anger. They didn’t deserve everything I said to them."

 

Aubrey is surprised to feel tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

—"We should’ve been together all along. We should’ve seen how guilty Sunny felt. Basil didn’t have to do what he did. He should’ve helped Sunny face the consequences. I would’ve forgiven him. I love him... nothing would’ve changed that."

 

Aubrey takes a moment to cry, and when she opens her eyes again, she’s no longer on the swings. Now she’s on the rooftop of the hospital. At the edge of the building stands a shadowy, humanoid figure.

 

—"Who are you?... Sunny?"

 

 

Chapter 10: The final test of Sunny

After passing through the door, Sunny finds himself at the lake. In the water, Sunny spots a floating tombstone illuminated by the moonlight. The tombstone reads:

 

Aubrey Smith: The nights were more beautiful when she was here. But you should already know that, you took her from us, Sunny.

 

Sunny doesn’t react. Deep down, he always believed Aubrey’s death was also his fault. He had always tried to make up for it. Of course he truly loved her, but the guilt never left.

 

Sunny picked up the tombstone and headed to the church. On his way through the park, he saw the swings where he used to meet Aubrey. They were now occupied by a mutilated version of himself and an Aubrey coughing up large amounts of water and blood. Sunny chose not to speak to them.

 

Upon entering the church, he is met by a crowd of people murmuring about him. Sunny hates them. He sees them as cowards who lack the courage to judge him to his face.

 

Soon, the whispers turn into insults sung in unison. Sunny knows none of this is real, but he can’t stop feeling the weight of his sins on his back.

 

When the boy with the onyx-purple hair entered the cemetery, he confirmed his suspicion. Aubrey’s grave was missing. So he tried to return it to its proper place.

 

Once done, Sunny felt a void. He realized that in six years, he had never been apart from Aubrey, never felt the fear of losing her forever. After all, they were already dead.

 

—"So this is what it feels like... not having you near me. This is what it felt like to lose Mari, and it’s what our friends feel now. They believe they’ll never see us again."

 

After these words, the cemetery begins to flood. Sunny deduces that, now having a physical body, he can drown. Despite all he had tried to learn, he never learned how to swim. He hadn’t needed to—he could cross the ocean with no problem as a ghost.

 

Upon leaving the church, he sees that the entire town has started to flood. Sunny looks for a safe place. All the houses are locked. Then a memory returns to him:

 

—"Aubrey’s house is never locked." —Sunny runs as fast as the rising water allows.

 

Aubrey’s house looks just as it did the last time—only now the garbage floats in the water seeping through the walls. Sunny reaches Aubrey’s room. The water hasn’t made it there yet. Suddenly, Sunny starts to panic.

 

—"You never got over it, did you?" —said a voice.

 

—"Huh? Who’s there?"

 

Sunny scanned the room. The one who had spoken was none other than Bun-Bun. Sunny hadn’t noticed, but apparently the bunny had been on the bed the whole time.

 

—"How can you talk?"

 

—"I’m not real, remember?" —he said calmly— "In fact, none of this is real. It’s just the test. I suppose you forgot that part."

 

—"That’s true, I’m being tested. And I see where this is going. I never got over the guilt from Mari’s accident... or Aubrey’s suicide."

 

—"Why?"

 

—"Aubrey would’ve had a better life if I hadn’t been such a coward—if I had faced my friends. What kind of person reveals such a painful truth, then lacks the courage to face the consequences? I... I always run from my problems. And Aubrey paid the price for that. She couldn’t bear the pain of losing me."

 

—"But you reunited after death. I thought you loved each other, despite everything you did."

 

—"I love her. I thought she only stayed with me out of pity. When she said she loved me, I felt like some of the guilt began to fade. We could’ve lived a beautiful life together. We could’ve grown, started a family, grown old together... Because of me, none of that happened. I destroyed my family. But she... at least... she stayed with me in spite of it all."

 

—"I see you’ve had a lot of time to reflect."

 

—"Yeah. I guess that’s one of the perks of being a ghost."

 

—"Well, Sunny... congratulations. You’ve found someone who will stay by your side for all eternity. Take good care of my owner."

 

—"Heh... I will, Bun-Bun."

 

The room had filled with water as the boy and the bunny talked. Sunny no longer cared. He felt whole. He felt happy. As the water completely took him, Sunny closed his eyes. He had passed the test. He just wanted to see her.

 

Sunny wakes up in a large, white room. He knows this place.

 

White Space.

 

As Sunny  scans the room, he spots a figure in the distance.

 

—"Aubrey?"

 

 

Chapter 11: Another Chance

 

The wind moves Aubrey’s bubblegum-pink hair dramatically and elegantly. The dark figure remains still on the hospital balcony, unresponsive, unmoving. its hair untouched by the wind.

 

—“Why won’t you answer? Who are you?”

 

—“I am the one who guided the dreamer toward the truth. Some call me his conscience… but Sunny called me ‘Stranger,’” —he said as he turned to face the pink-haired girl.

 

Aubrey stood stunned at what she saw. The dark figure was an exact copy of Basil.

 

—“Why do you look like Basil!?”

 

—“I suppose Sunny told you about his dreams during his isolation. Dreams where he imagined a perfect world with his childhood friends. especially Mari. He forgot about his sister’s death. But there was a problem. Basil, the boy with the flowers, would eventually remind him of the accident. So he erased him. Since I was in charge of helping the dreamer remember the truth, I found it fitting to take this form.”

 

Aubrey remembered clearly how Sunny had told her about the utopian world he created in his mind, and the constant intrusions of reality.

 

—“I get it. But… what are we doing here?”

 

—“Your trial isn’t over. I was sent to ensure you complete it. You’re probably wondering why—of all the places you could have appeared—you ended up here, where one of the most traumatic moments of your life took place.”

 

—“I know why. They want me to admit that I still tell myself I could’ve done more to save Sunny. I believe it… because it’s true. I should’ve held on to him. But I just stood there, paralyzed, and he died a horrible death. I’m lucky I found him again after dying. Is that what you wanted to hear!?”

 

—“Yes. But there’s still something you haven’t accepted.”

 

—“What?”

 

—“Something you’ve never said out loud. Something buried deep in your mind. Something you don’t want Sunny to find out.”

 

—“W-what are you… talking about?”

 

—“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Aubrey,” —he said as his appearance changed to Sunny’s.

 

—“Stop! Don’t use his face to force me to speak!”

 

Aubrey cursed at the stranger, losing her composure. But he didn’t care about anything she said. His only purpose was to make sure she passed the test. So, he used his final option.

 

—“If you won’t speak, then I have no reason to remain. Goodbye.”

 

The stranger jumped from the balcony. Aubrey had to relive the moment again.

 

—“No!”

 

She jumped after him, and as she caught up, she began to confess:

 

—“Fine, I’ll say it. I never fully forgave Sunny. After I died, I was grateful to see him again, but there was always this feeling of hatred toward him. Whenever I felt that way, I tried to counter it by telling myself Sunny was just a kid when it happened, and that I never really tried hard enough to help him.”

 

—“...”

 

—“I love him so much. I thought that if I told him this, he’d hate me—or that he’d push me away and abandon me. I know him. Even after six years, he’s still nervous and anxious. I’ve seen him have panic attacks, and I didn’t want to be another emotional burden—no more than I already am. I know he blames himself for my death. I just want to help him. I won’t fail him. I have all the time in the world to help him. Just let me see him.”

 

—“...”

 

—“Aren’t you going to say anything!?”

 

—“You passed the test, Aubrey. Good luck.” —With those words, the stranger vanished.

 

Aubrey was now alone. She saw the ground approaching. She closed her eyes, bracing for the impact.

 

Aubrey opened her eyes. She was no longer falling. Now she was in a room that was entirely white. She remembered Sunny telling her about a similar place in his dreams.

 

She desperately looked around for something—anything—that wasn’t just blank whiteness. Then, in the distance, she saw a figure in the stillness of the room.

 

—“Sunny?”

 

 

Chapter 12: Final DUET ~ Reunion

 

Both ghosts recognized each other instantly and ran to feel the warmth of the other. When their bodies collided, their minds were flooded with recordings of each other’s trials. When they separated, they looked at each other with sadness and regret.

 

—Aubrey, why didn’t you tell me?

—The same could be said of you. We hid things we should’ve resolved between us.

—It doesn’t matter now. We’ll talk about it when we reach the next plane.

—Alright. Wait —did someone record the trials?

—Uh…

—Never mind. What’s next?

—Your final trial. You’ll face it together —said the Stranger.

—Eh, what are you doing here!? —they both shouted in unison.

—Wait… you know him?

—Yes. He was in my second trial.

—Well, and you —what do you mean ‘final trial’? I thought we’d passed them all.

—You did, but now there’s just one last thing to do. Face each other. Turn around.

 

They obey, and behind them appear a grand piano and a violin on an orchestral stand.

 

—This is where I say goodbye. You will need these —said the Stranger as he disappeared in thick smoke.

 

When the smoke clears, sheet music for each instrument is revealed. Sunny recognizes the score—it’s the duet they were supposed to perform at the recital on that fateful day.

 

—They want me to play this with Aubrey? —he thought.

 

Aubrey sees Sunny’s discomfort. This was the duet Mari demanded so much of. Aubrey had practiced it before, but only when Sunny wasn’t around; she didn’t want to upset him.

 

—Uh, Aubrey… 1‑2… this piece is…

—The duet you were going to play with Mari. I know.

 

Sunny lowers his head.

 

—In that case, I guess you need time to practice.

—I’ve played this before. It’s a famous melody.

—Ok... you tell me when you're ready.

 

As Sunny prepares his music, Aubrey begins playing the first notes, surprising him. He readies his violin and watches his wife play gracefully.

 

As Sunny’s violin joins in, both remember their entire life—the joy-filled moments, when Mari introduced Kel and Hero, when Sunny and Aubrey met and she introduced them to Basil, the day at the beach, the rain, the Christmas when they all showed how much Sunny meant to them.

 

They remember afternoons on the swings, Hero’s and Mari’s cookies, flower crowns they made, Basil’s birthday, sleepovers where they tried to fall asleep next to each other.

 

Reaching the song’s climax, they open their eyes, tears streaming. They know they must finish. Their notes converge in perfect harmony.

 

Sunny doesn’t need to imagine Mari at the piano—he has Aubrey. Even if he never finds Mari, he knows Aubrey is real and will stay with him forever.

 

When Sunny plays the final note, ending the melody, he collapses to his knees, sobbing. Aubrey, also crying, drops to the floor beside him and hugs him so tightly she could smother him. Sunny returns the embrace and they cry on each other’s shoulders.

 

Suddenly, they feel light. Seeing themselves, they realize they are floating. The white space begins to dissolve. They understand it’s over—they passed. They are ascending. Hand in hand, they prepare for the next plane.

 

Aubrey opens her eyes. She looks around—she’s lying in a bed, and something moves beside her.

 

—Sunny!

 

Aubrey cries out so loudly that the purple-haired boy is startled, but he quickly relaxes when he finds himself in the pink-haired girl’s arms.

 

—Aubrey! You’re here! —he said, returning her hug and crying tears of happiness.

 

Aubrey showers her husband’s face with kisses.

 

—Where are we?

 

—I don’t know. Let’s explore.

 

They leave the room and find themselves on a second floor. Going down the stairs, they enter a tidy living room decorated in black, pink, and purple.

 

They step outside and find the house is situated in the middle of a vast field of tulips and gladioli. The couple decides to return inside—they feel tired and sleepy, which is unusual for ghosts.

 

—How can we feel sleepy? —Sunny said, yawning.

 

—I guess the rules are different in this plane. Anyway, let’s go to bed.

 

They walk upstairs to their bedroom and lie down without thinking. In bed, Aubrey unconsciously hugs Sunny. He doesn’t mind—he thinks he's dreaming.

 

When they wake up, they find they’ve been hugging each other for all those hours. Going downstairs, Aubrey sees a note on the dining table:

 

“Go to the house across the field. Exit your home, go straight. The door will be open. Come in, and we’ll explain everything.”

 

Sunny recognizes the handwriting.

 

They leave the house and follow the directions. For several minutes, the path looks unchanged. Just before giving up, Aubrey sees the house mentioned in the note. Sunny approaches and opens the door.

 

The house is more furnished than theirs, with more objects and furniture. The silence is broken by the sound of a door opening.

 

Inside the dark room, they see two figures—one male, one female. The female figure lets out a sigh of surprise and sadness. Suddenly, the lights turn on, revealing Mari and Hero.

 

—Little brother! Aubrey!

—Ma-ma-ri! He-He‑ro! —they both exclaim before rushing to embrace the couple.

 

For a minute, the four of them apologize to each other, tears streaming as they reunite.

 

—Mari, I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have pushed you.

—No, Sunny—I shouldn’t have pressured you so much.

—Hero, I’m sorry I left you like that—I didn’t mean to cause more pain.

—I know, Aubrey—I should’ve been more mature when I learned the truth.

 

After all the apologies, the two couples sit down.

 

—Hey, Aubrey—you dyed your hair pink like you promised, and I see Sunny fulfilled my part of the promise for me —Mari teased.

—Yes, Mari—I did it to keep that part of you alive.

—And it suits you so well. You look beautiful.

—Oh, Sunny—you look handsome with that color too —Aubrey blushes.

—I see you two are closer than I remember —Hero says, shooting Mari a knowing look.

—You’re right—we were friends, but not that close —Mari responds teasingly.

 

Sunny and Aubrey proudly show their rings.

 

—I hope you never question the level of love I have for my wife again!

 

Mari and Hero are stunned by Sunny’s confidence.

 

—Y-your wife? —Hero asks, visibly confused.

—Yes, Hero—my husband, my dear Sun-Bun —Aubrey says, resting her head on Sunny’s shoulder.

—Well... I’m so happy for both of you. I always knew you’d end up together!

—Thanks, Mari. You haven’t changed at all. Hero, why do you look like you're 15?

—It’s simple. Mari died when we were fifteen, and when I died, I was twenty-five. So to make Mari feel comfortable, I changed my appearance to one she recognized. And I see you even healed your damaged eye.

—Yes—it looked awful.

—Mari—how long have you been here?

—After dying, I had to watch as Sunny and Hero shut themselves away, Kel tried to help his brother, and Aubrey and Basil suffered in silence. I stayed here alone for two years, and when I tried to ascend, I couldn’t pass my trial. It took me a year to accept everything I did to you. I thought I was right to push you so hard—I wanted you to be perfect. It was my mistake—it cost me my life. I lived here alone until one day Hero came. He told me you and Sunny had committed suicide. I was crushed—I didn’t know if you’d ever arrive.

—We’re here now, Mari. Don’t blame yourself for us —Sunny said as he took his sister’s hand.

 

Hero moves to comfort Mari and then sees a chance to speak.

 

—Sunny—I’m really sorry. I reacted in the worst way possible. It was very immature of me.

—Don’t worry, Hero—I don’t blame you. I know you’ve worked hard to improve—and hey, now you’re a hero in Faraway Town.

—Ah yes—when I got sick, I couldn’t just stand by. I felt like I had to help with the research. What better way than volunteering for this unknown disease?

—It was truly honorable, Hero.

—I couldn’t expect less from the man I fell in love with —Mari said, leaning into her boyfriend.

 

—Could you explain how this plane of existence works? We’re so used to how things were before.

—Oh yes, that. Let’s start with the basics. You’ve already felt fatigue, you can eat, though you won’t get hungry. You can wear clothes other than the usual white gowns.

—I’m very interested in the last point —Aubrey said.

—Also, to find others, go to the mailbox outside each house and send a letter with the person’s name. You can also request a list of everyone here, but I don’t recommend it—it’s huge. Sometimes relatives of fathers come around, so you might want to learn Japanese.

—That won’t be an issue. We already know it.

 

Mari is shocked to hear Sunny and Aubrey speaking fluent Japanese.

 

—But how do you speak it so well?

—Oh, yes. We didn’t mention it, but the reason Hero didn’t find us after we died was because Sunny and I were on our honeymoon traveling the world. We spent five years learning everything.

—You two never cease to amaze me! First you got married before Hero and me, then you had a honeymoon traveling the world. What’s next? Are you going to be pianists now?

—Um… well, that is how we ended up here —Aubrey replied.

—Wait, what!?

—Our final trial was to play the duet we were supposed to perform at the recital. I played the violin, and Aubrey played the piano.

—Mari, breathe—you look like you’re about to faint —Hero said.

 

After hours talking about the couple’s journey around the world, it was time to go home. They said their goodbyes to Mari and Hero, promising to visit often.

 

Back home, Sunny surprised Aubrey by embracing her from behind.

 

—Sunny—this is so sudden! What…? —Aubrey said before feeling her shoulder grow wet.

—We did it, Aubrey—we’re here, together, and Mari and Hero are too! After everything we suffered.

—I know, Sunny. We can be happy. I feel like the luckiest woman—because despite all my mistakes, I was allowed to be with you.

—Thank you, Aubrey—it means a lot —he said as he released his embrace. —So, what do you want to do now?

—To start—I want new clothes. We’ve been wearing the same ones for six years.

—Alright. Mari said the wardrobe in our room has tons of clothes.

—If that’s the case —she said, taking her husband’s arm—let’s start now.

Chapter 13: Epilogue

The sun rises vigorous and radiant on a typical morning in Faraway Town. Sunlight falls on Basil's face, and he decides to get up to close the curtain, careful not to wake his wife. After completing his task, Basil remains kneeling on the bed, admiring his wife as she sleeps peacefully.

 

Basil decides there’s no point in going back to sleep. His house hasn’t changed much over the years—now filled with many more plants than before. Even what used to be his late grandmother’s room is now a home greenhouse. Polly no longer lived here. She moved on after Basil finished his university studies. It hurt both of them to part ways; they had developed a mother-son relationship.

 

Basil married Kim about four years ago. He had managed to build a good life after so much suffering. He owned a chain of nurseries and studied photography in his free time. Kim also made a good name for herself over the years. After high school, she had to disband her gang; they wouldn’t be seeing each other as often, and everyone was going down a different path. Kim decided to study law, and a few years later, she became a respected lawyer. She even went back to pay for all the candy she stole during her teenage years.

 

While Basil was preparing breakfast, he was surprised by his wife.

 

—Hey! I see you already started cooking breakfast.

 

—Uh-h yeah, I wanted to bring it to you in bed, but, well, you're already here. Too bad, it would’ve been a nice surprise.

 

—I can go back to bed if you want.

 

—Don’t bother. Because... —he said, handing a plate to his wife— Breakfast is ready. Just for you, my love.

 

—I love when you get romantic. You're usually so shy, so seeing you say something bold with that kind of confidence... it’s really hot.

 

Basil turned around, surprised by the comment, and saw Kim give him a playful look, which made him a little nervous.

 

—Heh... it’s a shame we can’t have a little fun right now. We have to meet up with Kel, remember? —he said as he sat next to Kim.

 

—That’s right. We have to go visit Aubrey, Sunny, Hero, and Mari.

 

—I can’t believe it’s already been fifteen years. Fifteen years since I made that...

 

—Hey, Basil, stop blaming yourself. You were a kid and just wanted to help Sunny. It was a very stressful situation, especially for you. We didn’t know what Sunny was going through—he shut himself away for four years. I know you wish you could’ve done more to help. But it wasn’t your fault that they died. More importantly, remember that I love you.

 

—I love you too, Kim —he said before kissing her.

 

After regaining his composure, he decided it was time to get ready for the occasion.

 

—I’m going to shower. Don’t spy on me like last time.

 

—It was an accident! I didn’t know you were in there!

 

—No one else lives here. Who else could’ve been in the shower of our house?

 

—It was a bad day. I was distracted. Besides, what do you have that I haven’t already seen that makes you so embarrassed?

 

—I just have a bit of modesty when it comes to my body. I understand your job is stressful. Hey, that explains why you were so submi...

 

—Weren’t you going to shower!?

 

—But you enjoyed it, didn’t you?

 

—Go! Shower quickly, we have to leave in a few hours! —she said, pushing Basil toward the bathroom.

 

After getting ready, Basil and Kim set off for their meeting.

 

At the town square stood Kel and his wife, Cris, the blue-haired swimmer Kel had met thirteen years ago. It took them several years to understand and accept their feelings for each other.

 

—Kel, aren’t those Kim and Basil?

 

—Yeah, it’s them! Hey, over here! —Kel shouted.

 

Basil recognized the unmistakable energy of his old friend.

 

—Hey, Kel. It’s been a while. The NBA keeps you pretty busy, huh?

 

—Heh, yeah, a bit. And how are you two?

 

—We’re doing pretty well, actually. Cris, how are things with your famous basketball husband? —Kim asked.

 

—Everything’s great, never doubt it.

 

—Alright, let’s get this started —said Kel.

 

—Fifteen years, right? —added Basil.

 

—Exactly. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it.

 

—We’d better begin. Basil, you brought the flowers, right?

 

—Of course. It’d be shameful if I, of all people, forgot.

 

—Well, if everything’s ready, what are we waiting for!?

 

Once everything was in order, the group of friends headed to the church. On the way, they passed by Aubrey’s old house. It had been vacated long ago and now housed a kind family. As for Aubrey’s mother, she had been convicted of negligence.

 

At the church, they were greeted by the pastor, who told them the last guest was already waiting at the cemetery. They opened the cemetery gates, and there was Sunny and Mari’s mother.

 

—Mrs. Suzuki, how are you? —Cris asked.

 

—Hello, my dears. I’m well... and even better now.

 

Everyone looked at Mari’s grave. The silence was overwhelming. Indirectly, Mari had started a painful journey fifteen years ago in the lives of her loved ones. Everything had led them here.

 

Basil knew his pain was nothing compared to Mrs. Suzuki’s. She had lost both her children, and her husband had abandoned her for defending their surviving son. She had lost everything, while Basil was young and had his whole life ahead of him. It’s not fair, Basil thought.

 

—I wasn’t a good mother to either of them. First, I didn’t see how much Mari demanded from Sunny. Then I never helped Sunny move on—I never convinced him it wasn’t his fault. I couldn’t save him. Aubrey... she went down that same path —she said before breaking into tears.

 

—Please don’t be so hard on yourself. We all feel like we should’ve done more. I know you’ll say you were their mother, and that’s true—our pain will never compare to yours. We just want you to know you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself.

 

While Basil comforted Mrs. Suzuki, Kel took the opportunity to approach his brother’s grave.

 

—Hey Hero, it’s Kel. Sorry I haven’t visited often—been busy with work. I’m a basketball player, just like I always wanted, so you can imagine how that takes up a lot of time. By the way, Mom, Dad, and Sally send their regards. They couldn’t come; they’re out of state. I miss you a lot. You always supported me and held me back when I needed it. I always wished you could’ve seen me play. You left too soon, and we all admire your sacrifice—you drastically reduced the duration of the epidemic. But deep down, I think we all wish you hadn’t taken that responsibility on yourself.

 

Kel’s face was soaked with tears. He felt his wife’s hand gently drying them. All Kel could do was hold her hand and kiss it in gratitude.

 

Before leaving, Basil placed bouquets on each of the four graves. The bouquets contained tulips, lilies of the valley, roses, and gladiolus.

 

As they left the church, Kel exclaimed:

 

—Wanna eat at Gino’s? It’s on me!

 

Everyone was stunned to hear Kel offer to pay. The answer was obvious.

 

—Yes! —they all shouted.

 

On the way to the pizzeria, a question lingered in Basil’s mind—Where are they now?

 

 

---

 

In a different existential plane, Sunny and Aubrey were at Mari and Hero’s house. Sunny now wore a lilac shirt with a vest over it, along with beige pants, socks, and black shoes. His hair was still purple. Aubrey still had her pink hair, along with a teal-blue shirt. Her bow had been adapted into a bowtie. She also wore beige pants to match her husband, and like Sunny, wore black shoes and socks.

 

—Sorry if we kept you waiting, guys.

 

—It’s no problem, Hero. Aubrey had to go back for something anyway.

 

—Well, little brother, you know why we’re gathered here.

 

—It’s been fifteen years since the accident —Aubrey replied.

 

—Exactly.

 

—Mari, if you brought us here to apologize again, don’t. You know we’ve forgiven you.

 

—That’s not why I brought you. Actually, I want us to talk about the good memories we made together.

 

—Mari, let it go. We get that you didn’t get a honeymoon like Sunny and I did.

 

—That’s not it! I don’t care about that anymore!

 

—If that’s true, then why do you bring it up every night?

 

—Hero, shut up! —Mari shouted, furious.

 

—Uh-h-h okay...

 

—Mari’s honestly scary when she gets mad —Sunny thought.

 

—Who wants to start?

 

Aubrey immediately raised her hand. Sunny wasn’t sure if it was out of fear or genuine eagerness.

 

—Well, I’ll always fondly remember when we were kids. All those moments captured in this album —Aubrey said, placing Basil’s photo album on the table— But I also cherish the year I spent as a ghost with Sunny. He taught me a lot and helped me overcome my past.

 

—I didn’t do it all. You helped me too. Without you, I’d probably still be a lost soul. I also loved spending six months lost with you at the bottom of the ocean.

 

—Wait, six months in the ocean? —Hero asked.

 

—I guess we never told you. Look, we’ve got some pictures —Sunny said, pulling out the album from their trip.

 

—You have a whole album from that trip!? —Mari asked, alarmed— Why didn’t you tell me!?

 

—This is exactly why. You react like this every time we talk about our honeymoon.

 

—But it’s such an interesting story! I would’ve loved to have a trip like that with Hero —Mari said, her ears practically steaming with envy.

 

Sunny quickly grabbed the album off the table, which Mari noticed immediately.

 

—Why are you hiding your album, L-I-T-T-L-E B-R-O-T-H-E-R?

 

—U-uh I was just...

 

—Mari, weren’t we going to talk about precious memories? Hero, say something.

 

—Mari, darling, maybe calm down and we can talk it over. I’m sure Sunny will show you his album if you relax.

 

Mari ignored her boyfriend and stood in front of Sunny, who was frozen with fear.

 

—You’ll show me the album or else...

 

Unexpectedly, Mari began tickling her little brother—it turns out Sunny was still extremely ticklish.

 

Between laughs, Sunny managed to toss the album to Aubrey. Mari shot a look at Aubrey, a look that clearly said: You’re next.

 

Aubrey managed to dodge Mari throughout the house. It felt like Mari was hunting her down and she was just delaying the inevitable. Before being caught, she tossed the album to Hero.

 

—Hero, my love. G-I-V-E me the album. Please.

 

Hero nervously looked at his girlfriend. He was conflicted about what to do.

 

—You’d never betray me, right?

 

—I-I’m sorry, Mari.

 

Hero threw the album to Sunny, who grabbed it and ran out of the house. Aubrey followed, and Mari was held back by Hero.

 

—Easy, Sunny. Breathe, we’re home.

 

—What just happened?

 

—To recap: Mari freaked out when she found out we hid our trip album.

 

—I know that. I just didn’t expect that reaction.

 

—I know. Give her time, she’ll calm down. Now, how about we rest?

 

—Yeah, sounds good.

 

It had been a long day for Sunny. He just wanted to rest—but one question kept him awake.

 

—Aubrey?

 

—Yeah? —she replied, half-asleep.

 

—How do you think our friends are doing now?

 

—Honestly, I don’t know. It’s been nine years since we last saw them. A lot can happen in that time. But I’m sure we’ll see them again. Maybe in a few decades, or centuries. I don’t know, but we’ll see them again.

 

—I didn’t know you were so good with words. You’re always full of surprises. That’s why I love you —he said, covering her face with kisses— Good night, Aubrey.

 

—Good night, Sunny.

 

The End

Notes:

Well, this is where the fic ends. Writing this was a pleasant experience. Thank you to everyone who showed their support—whether through a comment, a kudo, or simply by reading the fic. For my first fanfic, I feel like I did a good job. It’s not perfect—I could have gone deeper in some chapters (especially the Antarctica chapter)—but I still like how it turned out. I know I probably lost the audience’s attention by leaving the fic inactive and making a mediocre translation. I’m grateful to those who waited for new updates (even if it was probably just about ten people).

To wrap things up, I’m pleased to say that my journey through the Omori fandom isn’t over. I currently have about three more fics in the writing process, which will probably be released at the end of the year or early next year (since I don’t publish anything until the entire work is finished, to avoid it becoming an “orphan work”).

Thank you for reading.

Notes:

Please note that this is my first fanfic and I'm writing for fun. All criticism is welcome as long as it's respectful.